HC Deb 24 November 1947 vol 444 cc1586-7
36. Mr. Vane

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that accurate replies are given to question 118 in the normal questionnaire, Fragebogen, in use in Germany where, among other information sought from each individual, is a list of all public addresses made giving subject, date, circulation and audience over the last 24 years.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Mayhew)

I appreciate that all replies to question 118 cannot have been accurate but, in general, they have helped the authorities to decide whether a person was an active Nazi or merely a nominal member of the Party.

Mr. Vane

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that this reduces our administration to nonsense? Could he, for instance, remember how many speeches he has made over the last 24 months, quite apart from the last 24 years?

Mr. Mayhew

In reply to the last part of the question, I dread to think how many speeches I have made. In reply to the first part of the Question, it is no longer the responsibility of our administration, but is now a matter for the German authorities.

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